California Regulator Asks FCC to Reverse Course on Lifeline Revocation

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2025 – California regulators are urging the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider its recent decision to strip the state of its authority to verify eligibility for the federal Lifeline program.

In a petition filed Tuesday, Dec. 23, with the FCC, the California Public Utilities Commission said the FCC’s Nov. 20 order revoking California’s authority to run its own Lifeline verification system incorrectly concluded that a new state law prevents compliance with federal rules.

“This abrupt change occurred without coordination between the Universal Service Administration Company and the CPUC,” the petition signed by CPUC's deputy executive director for broadband and communications Ana Maria Johnson states. “It will negatively impact the 1.77 million Californians currently receiving federal Lifeline support as well as the 39 Lifeline providers.”